Locking device for core truck clamping screws



1965 H. E. DURR 3,198,448

LOCKING DEVICE FOR CORE TRUCK CLAMPING SCREWS Filed Feb. 7, 1963 3 Sheets-Sheet l W/ZWX 1965 H. E. DURR 3,198,448

LOCKING DEVICE FOR CORE TRUCK CLAMPING SCREWS Filed Feb. 7, 1965 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 3/ l Q-E 5g 1 as g 454 l, w I34 Z if 1965 H. E. DURR 3,198,448

LOCKING DEVICE FOR CORE TRUCK CLAMPING SCREWS 3 Sheets-Sheet 5 Filed Feb. '7, 1963 United States Patent 3,198,448 LQCKEQG BEVICE FSR CORE TRUCK CLAMPING SfiREWS Helmut E. Durr, Summit, Ni, assignor to Western Electric Company, Incorporated, New York, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Feb. 7, 1963, Ser. No. 257,019 7 Claims. (Cl. 242-44) This invention relates to locking devices for core truck clamping screws, particularly those employed in takeup units of cabling machines.

Core trucks comprise large reels which are removably mounted in cable takeup units, the mounting of the core trucks therein being completed by the movement of clamping screws having cone-shaped members at one end thereof into engagement with the hubs of the core trucks. Core trucks used in takeup units of cabling machines are rotated both about their own axes to wind the cables thereon, and about axes at right angles to their own axes to form twists in the cables being wound thereon. As a result, the clamping screws are subjected to centrifugal force and are occasionally loosened.

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the possibility of the clamping screws losing their clamping force on the core trucks.

According to the object, the invention comprises a clamping and locking device for core trucks wherein a reversible motor is adapted to drive av clamping screw into and out of its clamping position relative to the core trucks. The locking device includes an elongated element fixed to one end of the clamping screw and having a shoulder at its outer end, the elongated element controlling switches which operate to lock the element and the screw against axial movement when the clamping screw is in its clamping position.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is an enlarged vertical sectional view of a portion of a takeup of a cabling machine illustrating the loclc'ng device;

FIG. 2 is a vertical sectional view of the locking device in a cabling machine schematically illustrating certain features of the cabling machine;

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1; and

PEG. 4 is a top plan view of the locking device mounted in a cabling machine and illustrates schematically the control circuits therefor.

' Due to the fact that takeup units for cabling machines are well known in the art the entire structure thereof is not shown in detail in the drawings. A core truck is illustrated in PEG. 2 with its conventional supporting rollers 11 and mounted on a platform 12 in a takeup unit, indicated generally at 14, of a cabling machine. The platform 12 has a conventional rotatable cone center 15, which is raised, by suitable means, to move the rollers 11 free of the platform 12. Furthermore, the cone center 15 is driven in the conventional manner and is removably fixed to the adjacent end of the core truck 10 to bring about driving of the core truck about its own axis.

A clamping screw 17, which is mounted in takeup unit 14 through the aid of bearings not shown, includes a cone center 18 mounted at its lower extremity. The cone center is movable from its outer position, shown in solid lines in FIG. 2, to its inner or clamping position, shown in roken lines in this figure. Supporting means 21) for the clamping screw 17 houses conventional drive means for the screw which includes a reversible motor 21 shown schematically in FIG. 4.

An element 22 is attached to the outer end of the clamp- "ice ing screw 17 by bearing means 23 mounted in a hollow portion 24 of the end of the clamping screw 17. The bearing 23 is a thrust bearing to function with the element 22 and a lock 25 to hold the clamping screw 17 against outward movement during operation of the takeup unit 14. The lock 25 is slidably disposed in ahousing 26 mounted on a member 27 of the takeup unit14. The lock 25 has an aperture 28 therein larger than the crosssectional contour of the element 22 to permit the element to move freely therein. An elongated slot or narrower portion 29 of the aperture 28 extends laterally therefrom as illustrated in FIG. 3. The outer portion of the element 22 is reduced at 30 providing a shoulder 31 thereat. Lock 25 will be disposed adjacent the shoulder when it is in its locking position, illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 3. More specifically, when reduced portion 36 of the element 22 is in the slot or narrower extension 29 of the aperture 28 substantial portions of the lock 25 extend over the shoulder 31 of the element 22 to assure against axial movement of the element by the clamping screw 17. A core 32 of a closing unit or solenoid S1 is connected to one end of the lock 25 while a core 33 of an opening unit or solenoid S2 is connected to the other end of the lock 25, the solenoids being mounted on takeup unit 14. Limit switches LS-1 and LS2 for lock 25 are mounted on housing 26, their rollers 34 and 35 being adapted to ride in vertical or longitudinal grooves 36 and 37 in element 22. The groove as extends the full length of the element 22 whereas the groove 37 is shorter, causing the roller 35 of the limit switch LS-2 to ride on to the outer surface of the element 22 when the element is in its outer or unclamped position. A member 38, mounted on the outer end of the reduced portion 30 of the element 22 also serves to control the limit switches LS1 and LS2.

Due to the importance of assuring locking of the clamping screw prior to starting the cabling machine, the control for the locking device has been linked, not only with the clamping screw reversible motor 21, but also with main drive motor 31 for the takeup unit of the cabling machine. This is illustrated in FIG. 4 wherein, in addition to the limit switches LS-1 and LS2, and their associated solenoids S1 and 8-2, limit switches 15-3 and LS-4 are shown. Limit switch LS3 is normally open but is closed by an actuator 46 carried by the core 32 of the solenoid S-1. The actuator 40 is held in its inactive position shown in FIG. 4 after the solenoid S-l has been energized, but is movable to actuate the switch LS-3 into closed position when solenoid 8-2 is energized to move the lock 25 into the open position.

An actuator 41, which is carried by core 33 of solenoid 8-2 is shown in FIG. 4 operating the switch LS-4 into closed position when the lock 25 is moved into the locking position shown in FIG. 3 after energization of the solenoid 8-1. At this time, with the closing of switch LS-4 by actuator 41, a circuit is completed from line 42, through relay 43, closed switch LS4 to line 44. This conditions a main circuit for the drive motor 31 by closing contact 46 so that the circuit may be closed through the drive motor by closing hand switch 47. However, before this can be accomplished, clamping screw 17 must be driven down by motor 21 until member 18 is in the position shown in FIG. 1 and locked in that position. The clamping circuit or the forward drive for the motor 21 may be closed by closing of hand switch 48. This completes a circuit 49 through a normally closed contact Silof a relay 51. This circuit is closed until clamping screw 17 has been moved into clamping position as shown in FIG. 1, at which time, switch roller 34 of switch LS1 will ride out on the member 38 of element 22. This will close switch LS-l, energizing relay 51 and thereby opening its top contact 50, which shuts off motor 21, and closing its bottom contact 52. When the bottom contact 52 is closed a circuit 53 is completed through a normally closed top contact 54 of relay 43, closed contact 52 and solenoid S4, thus energizing the solenoid 8-1 to move the lock to the left into its locking position as shown in FIG. 3. This causes switch LS4 to be closed by actuator 41, closing circuit 56 to energize relay 43 and cause opening of top contact 54. Top contact 54, when open will de-energize solenoid S-l. Closing of contact 46 will condition the main circuit 45 so that by closing switch 47 the main drive motor 31 can be energized.

After a given amount of cable 58 has been wound on core truck 10, main motor 31 is de-energized by other, independent, means not shown. The unclamping control means may now be set in operation by closing a hand switch 69 thereby completing a circuit through a closed contact 61 of a relay 62 and through solenoid S-Z. Energization of solenoid S-Z moves the lock 25 to its open position as shown in FIG. 2, moving the actuator 41 away from switch LS-4 to open this switch causing actuator 40 to close switch LES-3. Closing of switch LS-3 will complete a circuit 63 from line 42 through relay 62, normally closed. switch LS-Z, and closed switch LS3 to line 44. This energization of relay 62 opens contact 61, to deenergize solenoid 8-2, and closes top contacts 64 and 65 to complete a reversing circuit for motor 21. This latter circuit runs from line 42, through contact 65, line 66 through motor 21, line 67, through contact 64 to line 44. This causes the motor 21 to drive in its reverse direction, driving clamping screw 17 in a reverse direction to move it upwardly away from the core truck into the open position shown in FIG. 2. As the screw 17 reaches the top of its movement, the roller for the switch LS-2 FIG. 2, will ride out of its groove 37 and onto the outer surface of the element 22. This causes opening of the normally closed switch LS2 causing de-energization of relay 62 which closes bottom contact 61, opening the circuit to the solenoid S2. De-energization of relay 62 also allows top contacts 64 and 65 to ride to their open position. thereby de-energizing the motor 21.

Operation Prior to starting the description operation of the apparatus, it should be pointed out that element 22 has been added to the normal takeup strucutre of a cabling machine. Element 22 i mounted to clamping screw 17 of the apparatus in such a manner that it is both held against rotation with screw 17, yet axially movable therewith. This is so it can serve both to control limit switches LS-l and LS-2, and shoulder 31 thereon can coact with lock 25 to hold clamping screw 17 firmly against upward axial movement resulting from the centrifugal forces incurred during rotation of the takeup unit. Furthermore, the electrical controls for the clamping screw and the cabling machine itself are connected to the locking device in such a way that the clamping screw must not only be moved into its clamping position, but the lock 25 must be operated into its locking position before the cabling machine may be operated. For additional safety, the control mechanism automatically resets to condition each successive step, in the operation of the apparatus, so if a component in the circuit fails, the apparatus will stop.

With the core truck 10 in position, the operator closes switch 48 to energize reversible motor 21 in its forward direction to drive the clamping screw inwardly into its clamping position. From the moment the switch 48 is closed, all subsequent actions occur automatically. When clamping screw 17 reaches its clamping position, switch LS1 will be closed, by its roller 34 riding out on member 38 of the element 22. This energizes relay 51, closing circuit 53 through contact 52, thereby energizing solenoid S-l, causing it to move lock 25 into its locking position as shown in FIG. 3. Just after this has been accom plished, actuator 41 closes switch LS-4, completing cir cuit 56 through relay 43 to thereby open circuit 53 by opening contact 54. This de-energizes solenoid S-l. Energization of relay 43 also causes the closing of contact 46 in circuit 45 connected to the main motor 31. This permits starting of the main drive motor 31 by closing circuit 4-5 which is accomplished by closing hand switch 47. The takeup machine continues to operate, driven by motor 31 until the drive motor is de-energized by other, independent, means (not shown). The unclamping control means may now be started by closing switch 60. Closing of switch 60 completes a circuit through solenoid S-2, moving lock 25 into its open or unlocked position, as shown in FIG. 2. This moves actuator 41, opening switch LS-4, causing the de-energization of relay 43. This permits contact 46 to move to its open position and contact 5:3 to move to its closed position. At the same time actuator 46) closes switch LS-B, completing circuit 63 through relay 62 and normally closed switches LS-Z and LS-3. Energization of relay 62 causes the opening of its bottom contact 61, to de-energize soleneid 8-2, and the closing of its top contacts 64 and 65 to complete the reversing circuit for reversible motor 21. This causes motor 21 to drive clamping screw 17 in its reverse direction to free the core truck and move it into its up or open. position.

It is to be understood that the above described arrangements are simply illustrative of the application of the principles of the invention. Numerous other arrangements may be readily devised by those skilled in the art which will embody the principles of the invention and fall within the spirit and scope thereof.

What is claimed is:

1. In a cable machine takeup unit including a core truck and driving means therefor, a clamping and locking device comprising:

a frame,

a clamping screw threadedly mounted in said frame,

means for moving the clamping screw into engagement with the core truck,

an elongated element having a locking portion thereon connected to said clamping screw, locking means mounted in said frame and movable from a first position where it is out of engagement with said elongated element to a second position where it engages said locking portion of the elongated element to prevent axial movement thereof, and

means mounted on said frame operable to activate said locking means when the clamping screw engages the core truck.

2. In a cabling machine takeup unit including a core truck and driving means therefor, a clamping and locking device comprising:

a frame,

a clamping screw threadedly mounted in said frame,

means for moving the clamping screw into engagement with the core truck,

an elongated element having a locking portion thereon connected to said clamping screw,

locking means mounted in said frame and movable from a first position where it is out of engagement with said elongated element to a second position Where it contacts the locking portion on said elongated element to prevent axial movement of the clamping screw, and

means mounted on the frame operable to sense when said clamping screw engages the core truck, and thereupon to cause movement of said locking means from said first position to said second position.

3. In a cable machine takeup unit including a core truck and driving means therefor, a clamping and locking device comprising:

housing means,

a clamping screw threadedly mounted in said housing means,

motor means operably connected to said clamping screw for selectively moving said clamping screw into and out of a clamping position,

means mounted on said housing for sensing when said clamping screw is in its clamping position,

switch means connected to said motor means, and

means connected to said sensing means and said switch means for de-activating said motor means when the sensing means determines that the clamping screw has reached its clamping position.

4. In a cabling machine takeup unit including a core truck and driving means therefor, a clamping and locking device comprising:

a frame,

a clamping screw threadedly mounted to said frame means,

motor means including switch means for the control thereof operably connected to said clamping screw,

an elongated element having a locking portion thereon mounted to said clamping screw,

solenoid operated locking means mounted in said frame and movable from a first position where it is out of engagement with said elongated element to a second position where it contacts the locking portion of said elongated element to prevent axial movement thereof,

means mounted on the frame operable to sense when said clamping screw engages the core truck, and

means responsive to said sensing means for activating said switch means to de-energize said motor means and for activating said solenoid to move said locking means from said first position to said second position. 5. In a cable machine takeup unit including a core truck and driving means therefor, a clamping and locking device comprising:

housing means,

a clamping screw threadedly mounted in said housing means,

an elongated element having a shoulder portion thereon and mounted to said clamping screw,

motor means operably connected to said clamping screw for selectively moving said screw into and out of a clamping position,

locking means slidably mounted in said housing means and movable from a first position where the locking means is out of engagement with said elongated element to a second position where the locking means engages the shoulder portion of the elongated element to prevent axial movement of the clamping screw,

solenoid means connected to said locking means for the actuation thereof,

means mounted on said housing means for sensing when said clamping screw is in its clamping position,

switch means connected to said motor means, and

relay means connected to said sensing means, switch means and solenoid means for activating said solenoid means and de-activating said motor means when the sensing means determines that the clamping screw has reached its clamping position.

6. In a cable machine takeup unit including a core truck and driving means therefor, a clamping and locking device comprising:

housing means,

a clamping screw threadedly mounted to said housing means,

a cone shaped member attached to one end of said clamping screw for engaging a core truck,

an elongated element having a shoulder portion on one end thereof and mounted at the other end thereof to said clamping screw,

motor means operably connected to said clamping screw for selectively moving said clamping screw into and out of a clamping position with the core truck,

first switch means connected to said motor means for the activation thereof,

second switch means connected to said motor means,

locking means slidably mounted in said housing means, and movable from a first position where the locking means is out of engagement with said elongated element to a second position where the locking means engages the shoulder portion of the elongated element to prevent the clamping screw moving from said core truck,

first solenoid means connected to said locking means for the activation thereof,

second solenoid means connected to said locking means,

microswitch means mounted on said frame,

actuating means for said microswitch means mounted on the core of said second solenoid means,

sensing means mounted on said housing means and operable to sense when the clamping screw is in its clamping position, and

relay means connecting said sensing means, second motor switch means and first solenoid means such that when the sensing means senses that the motor has moved the clamping screw means into its clamping position, the relay means is activated to energize both the second switch means to deenergize the motor and the first solenoid means to move the locking means from its first position to its second position, the second solenoid means moving with the locking means thereby causing the actuation of the microswitch means which in turn conditions an electric circuit for actuation of the core truck driving means.

7. In a cable machine takeup unit including a core truck. and driving means therefor, a clamping and locking device comprising:

housing means,

a clamping screw threadedly mounted in said housing means,

an elongated element having a shoulder portion thereon mounted to said clamping screw,

motor means operably connected to said clamping screw for selectively moving said screw into and out of a clamping position,

solenoid operated locking means slidably mounted in said housing means and movable from a first position where the locking means is out of engagement with said elongated element to a second position where the locking means engages the shoulder portion of the elongated element to prevent axial movement of the clamping screw,

solenoid means connected to said locking means for the actuation thereof, I

first switch means connected to said motor means,

second switch means connected to said solenoid means,

and

relay means connected to said first switch means and said second switch means wherein the closing of said second switch means activates the solenoid means thereby moving the locking means from its second position to its first position, and activates the motor means to move the clamping screw from its clamping position.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS MERVIN STEIN, Primary Examiner. 

1. IN A CABLE MACHINE TAKEUP UNIT INCLUDING A CORE TRUCK AND DRIVING MEANS THEREFOR, A CLAMPING AND LOCKING DEVICE COMPRISING: A FRAME, A CLAMPING SCREW THREADEDLY MOUNTED IN SAID FRAME MEANS FOR MOVING THE CLAMPING SCREW INTO ENGAGEMENT WITH THE CORE TRUCK, AN ELONGATED ELEMENT HAVING A LOCKING PORTION THEREON CONNECTED TO SAID CLAMPING SCREW, LOCKING MEANS MOUNTED IN SAID FRAME AND MOVABLE FROM A FIRST POSITION WHERE IT IS OUT OF ENGAGEMENT WITH SAID ELONGATED ELEMENT TO A SECOND POSITION WHERE IT ENGAGES SAID LOCKING PORTION OF THE ELONGATED ELEMENT TO PREVENT AXIAL MOVEMENT THEREOF, AND MEANS MOUNTED ON SAID FRAME OPERABLE TO ACTIVATE SAID LOCKING MEANS WHEN THE CLAMPING SCREW ENGAGES THE CORE TRUCK. 